Best Cots For Newborns
A cot is an elevated bed for your child that stops them from falling off. They are available in a variety of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.
The mom tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space which is ideal for sheets and blankets. It's also easy to set up and comes with an incline option to help alleviate reflux.
1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed
Cot beds are often the perfect companion for parents. They are a great way to keep your baby cozy and (hopefully) asleep soundly. When shopping for a cot, there are plenty of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. A good crib should last from the time of birth to toddlerhood. So durability is important. This cot is stylish, robust and complies with the most recent guidelines. It's also priced reasonably and comes with a mattress included.
Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old
This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a chic option for the first room of your baby with a contemporary gray finish that can be matched to any color scheme. What's more, it converts into a cool toddler bed or daybed to make it a durable bed. It has 2 different heights of the base which makes it easier for babies to reach and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. It's also designed with a shaped base which means it can be used in most standard doorways, an absolute benefit for busy parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep all the essentials for your newborn close to hand.
2. SnuzFino Cot Bed
This cot is designed to follow your baby from the time of birth to around four years old. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher base and move down as the baby grows and teaches them how to sit on their own. It won Gold in the Mother&Baby awards in 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top pick for parents.
The cot is more compact than other models that we have tested. It's also ideal for smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door so you can access it easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents were impressed by the ease with which this cot was to set up Our tester took just 12 minutes to get it set up.
When choosing a cot bed be sure to choose one that are safe. All cots must have bars that are no more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs aren't trapped. Make sure the slats on your cot are securely fastened to avoid any loose or fittings that are rusty.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on an incredibly comfortable cot mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most support and don't sag like foams. It's worth investing in a waterproof cover too since any dirt or soil will go directly into the mattress and cause your baby to sweat or be uncomfortable.
Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, as well as storage for diapers (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are great accessories, but only buy items that are suitable and safe for your child.
3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib
If you're looking for a crib for your bed that you can use from birth and place close to your bed when the baby sleeps, this could be the one you're looking for. It has a compact design that can easily fit through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg, which means it's easy to move around your home. It's also easy to get up and down the top, making it ideal for those nappy changes.
One of our mom test subjects described it as "exceedingly easy to put together." Its lightweight build means you can easily move it between bedrooms or even take it with you on vacation should you want to. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who require to be able to reach their baby easily during the first few months of parenting. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress that is fitted and a mattress, both of which are useful features.
The included Toddler Kit will also allow it to be converted into a toddler bed which is great for parents because it will last for as long as your child requires it. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.
Another great option is this simple solid pine cot that is suitable from birth to three years and costs just PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled appearance. It's simple to put together, and has a handy storage drawer, a teething rail and height settings that are adjustable. They are helpful for keeping your newborn safe. Its small size means it's an ideal option for anyone with a smaller room or who has sloped ceilings. Its sturdy stature will also ensure it stands the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like cot beds do.
4. Babyletto Bedside Crib
This crib that is placed at the bedside is ideal for parents who want to cuddle their infant close to them before the time to go to bed. The NHS recommends that babies be kept in a separate room for the first six months however, many parents find having their child close to them before bedtime calming.
The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints and can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's also a good choice for parents with sloping ceilings who don't want a cot to take up a lot of floor space. It can be adjusted in eleven different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.
As well as looking attractive and appealing, it's a durable design that is built to last the toddler years too. One parent tester said that her baby slept in this cot for two babies and it was still in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.
This cot is also small and small which makes it easy to assemble and move around. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was simple to put together and testers were impressed by the storage drawer that could hold all of your baby's essentials. It is a bit expensive, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll have to purchase one separately. We suggest an airy, firm and a snugly-fitting mattress to keep your child from becoming suffocated. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot to prevent your child from being able to climb out.
5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot
The SnuzFino is among the most stylish cots we have on our list however, it's not all about looks. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through their first 18 months and can even convert into an adult bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is chic and timeless, and our tester believed it would work in any nursery. Especially if you choose the matching changing table and wardrobe.
No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the guidelines applicable to your baby's age and home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches), as this will stop children from getting their heads trapped. Additionally the surface should not be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need an cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to regulate your baby's body temperature.
It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot that comes with additional features, such as built-in storage and removable bassinet side panels (as the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot). The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep comfortably and safely and often find cot beds that have plenty of storage space, without costing a lot.
If you're looking for a high tech option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper comes with a built-in sensor that can respond to your baby's cries. It gently lulls the baby to sleep in the same way as their mother's womb. online cots may be a bit high, but for those with children who are fussy, it could be worth the cost.